Gasoline Should Cost Less in 2014, Travel Group Says

Drivers got a price break on gasoline during much of this year and should look forward to slightly lower prices in 2014. However, fuel is still far from cheap, and prices at the pump right now are at record highs for New Year’s Eve, according to a year-end report from travel group AAA.

Gas cost an average of $3.49 per gallon this year, making 2013 the least-expensive year to fill the tank since 2010. This year’s average was a big decrease compared with 2012, when motorists paid an average of $3.60 per gallon. While many remember 2008 for its record average daily prices, 2012 was the most expensive year for gas on average, with 2011 in second place with an average of $3.51.

“It was a relief to see gas prices decline in 2013 following record-breaking pain at the pump in recent years,” said AAA spokesman Avery Ash,. “Our hope is that prices will continue to fall as cars grow increasingly fuel efficient and refineries expand production to take advantage of the recent boom in North American crude oil.”

South Carolina posted this year’s cheapest average gas price of $3.24 per gallon. The next cheapest states included: Mississippi at $3.28, and Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri at $3.29. AAA said 30 states had annual averages below $3.50 per gallon in 2013 and the cheapest annual average for a metropolitan area was $3.15 in Casper, Wyo.

Hawaii was most expensive with an annual average of $4.24, followed by Alaska at $3.91 and California at $3.89. Wailuku, Hawaii, recorded the highest metro price of $4.42 per gallon.

The U.S. average has been more than $3.00 per gallon for 1,105 consecutive days, AAA said, though averages in 12 states fell below $3.00 at some point during the year. The price rose above $4.00 per gallon in 13 states during the year.

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